AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2013 Issue 3; Ask the Editor

Tethered Cord with Lipomyelomeningocele

A female patient is status post resection of a subcutaneous fatty mass of the lumbar area, years ago. At that time, no attempt was made to untether the spinal cord. She now presents with progressive bladder and bowel dysfunction, pain, and other symptoms suggestive of a tethered spinal cord. The provider diagnosed lipomyelomeningocele with thick filum-terminale. The patient underwent lipomyelomeningocele repair for tethered cord release and filum sectioning. A laminectomy was accomplished, exposing the dura which was opened. The conus of the spine was completely involved with lipomatous tissue. A CO2 laser was used to excise and debulk the lipoma. What is the correct ICD-9-CM procedure code for this surgery? ...

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